Mid-Atlantic beaches bearing brunt of storm

Kaine issues state of emergency in Va.

Weather map showing strong low pressure off the Carolina coast and high pressure to the north. The difference between the pressure systems is driving strong winds onshore, buffeting the coastline. Map courtesy NOAA.

* Our Full Forecast *

The Delaware, Maryland, and particularly the Virginia beaches continue to get blasted by this long duration coastal storm. High wind and coastal flood warnings and a high surf advisory (see warning/advisory map) are in effect. Winds of 30-40 mph with gusts exceeding 55 mph will continue through Friday. Moderate tidal flooding (tides 3 to 4 feet above normal) is expected along with moderate to severe beach erosion. By the time the storm pulls away Saturday, rainfall totals of 3-7"+ are possible

AccuWeather is calling this "a historic flooding event" for the mid-Atlantic, with Virginia Beach "ground zero." Many schools and universities have closed for the day there. Virginia governor Tim Kaine issued a state of emergency, mobilizing state agencies to prepare for flooding. See the Virginia Pilot for the latest news on storm impacts in the Hampton Roads vicinity.

AccuWeather cautions damage from the remnants of Ida could reach hundreds of millions of dollars in the Southeast and mid-Atlantic.

How does this coastal storms compare to storms from the past? Stu Ostro at weather.com has a very interesting and detailed blog post which puts this storm in historical perspective.